In a matter of three weeks, five gay teenagers have committed suicide across the United States as the result of torment from peers. The teens from ages 13 to 19 suffered from bullying and extreme invasion of privacy and I can only imagine from intense feelings of isolation and fear. So how do we protect our children who are viewed as “different”? How do we teach them to value their lives no matter what happens to them or who tells them otherwise? It’s tricky. Young teenagers listen to their friends more than they do their parents, however young children absorb everything their parents say and do, and keep those behaviors and ideas with them throughout life. Act now to ensure your young child doesn’t succumb to bullying of any kind as a teen and young adult.
Build Your Child’s Feelings of Self-Worth
Always encourage your child and make sure she knows that no matter what, she is loved. Show her through kind words and actions how important she is. Avoid comparing her to others. Each child is different and should be valued for those differences. Just because one child may excel in math while the other struggles, doesn’t mean the struggling one doesn’t have strengths of her own such as reading or drawing. Remind each child of his or her strengths and don’t focus on weaknesses as negatives.
Open Your Ears and Eyes
Of course, listen to your child. She will tell you what is on her mind if you let her. Never be too busy to care about any problems your child is having, no matter how small they may seem to you. If her behavior seems off to you, don’t ignore it. Ask questions and try to get to the root of the problem so that you can address it together. Your child needs to always remember that she can trust you.
Making Mistakes is Okay
Let your child make mistakes and teach her how to fix them for herself. Covering for your child or trying to keep her from making mistakes will make her feel that something is wrong with her when she does make a mistake. Let her know that she can always come to you for help and you will not judge her.